Christy suspected that they were not Confederate officers as soon as he had a chance to look them over.
"May I ask, gentlemen, if you are officers of the Confederate Navy ?" asked Christy, as he looked from one to the other of the men.
"We are not, sir," replied the senior of them.
"Of course you are aware that you are serving in a Confederate man-of-war ?" added Christy.
"I should say that was hardly true up to date.

The captain holds a commission in the Confederate Navy, but the ship has never been into a Confederate port, Captain Passford," replied the senior, who had learned the commander's name.
"As you call me by name, perhaps you will enable me to do as much with you," added Christy.
"My name is Farley Lippard; I shipped as first officer of the Scotian," replied the senior.
"And mine is Edward Sangston; and I shipped as second officer of the steamer." "We shipped only for the voyage, and were told that we could not retain our situations after the ship's company was fully organized," added Mr.
Lippard.
"Then I hope you were paid in advance, as the engineers were," said Christy with a smile.
"We were, sir, thank you," added the first officer.

"Though we were told that we could not obtain any rank in the navy because there were more officers than ships, the agent said we should find plenty of employment on board of blockade runners coming out with cotton." "I suppose you are Englishmen ?" said the captain.
"Scotchmen, sir, but British subjects." "I cannot put you on shore and I may not have an opportunity to ship you to your homes by another vessel.

I shall leave you on board of the Ocklockonee, and the acting commander will assign to you such quarters in the cabin as may be at his command," continued Christy.

"It is only necessary that I should say I expect you to remain neutral, whatever occurs on board of the steamer." "That is understood," replied Mr.Lippard.
"You will be regarded as passengers; but of course if you commit any act hostile to the government of the United States, you will be considered as enemies, and treated as prisoners of war," Christy proceeded.